I-285 from I-20 image by tmac0381

While considering the elements of effective design in virtual worlds, I am frequently reminded of street signs; their design is the best example I can find for a practical convention. Providing information, aiding in navigation; they inform users in a reliable manner. Without some consistency, these objects would not be as effective.

A sign like any other?

What can the design of an Interstate sign tell us about navigation in the virtual world?

Even the color communicates. If you are familiar with roadsigns in the U.S.A., then—like me—you might have to look twice at this picture. Without its standard colors, this sign is less effective.

I discovered another list of design criteria in Caleb Booker’s 11 Best Practices for Corporate Builds, and signage made his list, too. In fact, several items he mentions appear to apply in the design of educational content:

• Signs: Text is the enemy. Graphics are your friend.
• Don’t hand out text files (Notecards) expecting people will be grateful. Use video (machinima) or basic simplified signs to instruct.
• More on signs – use legible fonts, few words – similar guidelines as PPT slides

So, they have been added to the list of issues.

That is a new link. All of the notes posted at the SimTeach wiki have been sorted and moved into a new Wikispaces site. Also, a new page has been created in this domain to provide an overview; it is simply titled Usability.